WHAT IS Nakatani RIES?

The Nakatani Research and International Experience for Students (RIES) program provides an opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at Georgia Tech labs to mentor funded scholars for valuable mentoring, international exchange, and project management experience.

“My experience with an excellent and enthusiastic Japanese undergraduate student, Kanako Matsumoto (left), was impactful, not only for research but also for cultural experiences.” Soojung Lee (right)

Why mentor an exchange student?

• • Great CV builder, most employers prefer PhD’s with management experience
  • Nakatani RIES 11 Host Labs receive $3,300 for student travel or materials & supply funds for the lab
  • The Best Mentor Award winners will be announced at the Nakatani Alumni Event in late October 2025 and awarded cash prizes.

TIMELINE:

• • • The program runs from August 10th – September 25th, 2025
    • Postdocs and graduate students at Georgia Tech labs submit project proposals by March 9, 2025
    • Selection committee to conduct interviews with prospective mentors in mid-late March 2025
    • Mentors and scholars are matched, and notifications are sent in late March – early April 2025

Important: Meet with your advisor to ask if mentoring an undergraduate is a good fit for you and your lab. Former participants are more than welcome to apply.

Submit Your Proposal Today